Thomas’s College

[Btwmum23]

Any parents at Thomas’s College this year can please give some feedback?
I am interested to know the type of kid, how academic it is, how is pastoral care, how much homework there is. I know it has just been a term but any first feedback is welcome. Thank you!

I thought that too - but I looked back over threads and it really feels like multiple posts from the same two posters. They clearly fell out with the school and are unhappy. I’m not saying they don’t have grounds but seeing as everyone else I’ve read on here and in real life has overwhelmingly positive things to say, I’m keeping some perspective on those comments.

We went to Thomas offer holder today and really really like it. It feels calmer and a bit more refreshing. The kids were also much more enthusiastic than the ones we spoke at ibstock. Honestly they seem both amazing school and it is just down to what would be best for the individual kid.

Hi @Btwmum23 which school did you choose in the end, and why, if you don’t mind me asking?

We did choose Thomas College and she is starting there in September.
our (v personal) reasons

• the academic approach, it is very modern, based on the latest educational principle - we both have PHDs from russel group uni and have taught tutorial at uni so we are quite sensitive on academic approach
• the head has great reviews from previous schools. We liked his vision and his energy
• the campus is new and feels open, green and calm, which is really what appeals my daughter
• we felt students were happier, there is a lot of excitement for a new school
• we spoke with a good number of teachers and they are very experienced. They came with years of experience excited and are now able to put their vision in practice to do what they think will work best. They don’t have to fit a pre established way of teaching
• loads of stress on music and drama, which our daughter loves. The head of music comes from Eaton and he is very well known to be exceptional. Drama is also taught at very high level (ibstock also very strong)
• they offer ballet and seen how ballet is in the prep schools we hope she can do it there instead of externally (ibstock stronger in secondary but not in primary so we hope the college will push this)
• They said they would do buses which will be a better option for us than having our daughter travelling through Clapham junction
• their clubs have moved at lunch time (for y 7 and 8) from after school, allowing to be back from school earlier, which we prefer as again we are not keen for her to travel late in the evening during winter months
• The option of weekly boarding could be of interest if we are travelling (although depends on availability)

in general our daughter could feel herself more in this school than the others.

Thank you so much @Btwmum23 that is really great to hear. I hope your daughter has a wonderful time there, it sounds lovely. We will visit in the autumn and I might come back to you for an update if we end up getting a place, if you don’t mind! Have a great summer 😊

We also chose Thomas’s for our youngest. They will be entering Y7 this Sept. We liked the more modern approach to teaching/curriculum and the Head’s vision. The campus is beautiful and all the staff and students we interacted with were kind and friendly.

Our oldest is at Ibstock and has been there for 3 years (joined in Y7). He is thriving there both academically and socially. Our youngest had an offer with a scholarship to Ibstock but ultimately chose Thomas’s. He didn’t want to be in his brothers shadow and I think Thomas’s is a great fit for him.

To add to the above

• they just confirmed bus routes, and I am extremely happy she will go by bus and avoid travelling through Clapham junction for the next few years. I use the train station myself twice a week and I had a few bad episodes in the evening, so it is more my fear then hers but still…
• they sent their phone policy inviting parents not to buy a smart phone. I hope other parents will embrace and we can avoid kid whatsapp groups and social media for a few years. And hopefully will push them to organise f2f outings instead of living on line as I sadly see happening with some friends kids.